Exercise Physiology
The American College of Sports Medicine and exercise physiologists define an Exercise Physiologist as one who studies the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity. An exercise physiologist can apply this knowledge to improve or maintain health, fitness, or performance. Traditionally exercise physiologists worked and studied only with athletes to improve performance. Today, however, exercise physiologists also work and study in commercial, clinical, and workplace settings to increase health, fitness, and quality of life in the general population. For example, an exercise physiologist may work as a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist, a personal trainer, or direct an employee fitness program. (www.acsm.org)
The Saint Francis University Exercise Physiology Program Curriculum Plan:
The Exercise Physiology curriculum at Saint Francis is broad based and provides education in several areas of the larger discipline of Exercise Science, including Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to move immediately into employment in the health and fitness industry, or to move on and obtain additional education, whether that education is in the allied health fields of Physical or Occupational Therapy, or to Graduate School in Exercise Physiology or related fields. We also offer a pre-professional track for those who wish to go on to medical school. The Program has a 36 credit core curriculum which serves as the foundation for the major, and students select exercise physiology and non-exercise physiology elective courses to concentrate their studies based on their post baccalaureate career goals. There are four possible concentrations:
The Fitness Professionals concentration prepares students for immediate employment in the wellness, health promotion, and fitness industries,
The Pre-Allied Health concentration prepares students for graduate education in physician assistant sciences, physical therapy, or occupational therapy.
The Research Graduate concentration prepares students for a career in research or graduate education in exercise physiology.
The Pre-Professional concentration prepares students for careers in Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Podiatry or Veterinary sciences. Pre-medical students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research.
Exercise Physiology Minor Non-majors may minor in exercise physiology with the approval of the Program Coordinator.
Exercise Physiology Diving Minor is focused on the physiology of diving. Internships are available through the Divers Altert Network located at Duke University Medical Center.
Additional course work may be required as prerequisites when applying for professional education at Saint Francis University and other institutions.
The curriculum of the Saint Francis University Exercise Physiology Program prepares students to sit for several American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certifications including Health and Fitness Instructor (HFI) and Exercise Specialist.
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More information
For more information about the Physical Therapy program at Saint Francis University, please contact:
Kay Malek, PT, PhD.
Chairperson
Associate Professor
Saint Francis University
Department of Physical Therapy
P.O. Box 600
Loretto, PA 15940-0600
Phone: 814-472-3123
Fax: 814-472-3140